Clips to tell how you failed driving test

With nearly 44% applicants failing to clear the stringent automated driving test at six regional transport offices (RTO), the transport department is going to send video clips of driving tests along with a detailed report to the failed applicants so they come better prepared the next time.

Delhi’s first automated driving test track, which caters to south zone (earlier at Sheikh Sarai) and central zone RTOs, came up in February 2018. This year, five more RTOs started conducting driving tests on automated tracks. By the end of January 2020, all other RTOs in Delhi, except west zone in Janakpuri, will start conducting driving tests on similar tracks that are nearing completion.

Unlike conventional tests that are conducted on straight roads, automated tracks are able to simulate tougher driving conditions where the entire range of an applicant’s driving skills are tested. As a result, while the average pass percentage of manual driving tests between January 1 and November 25 was 89.2%, the average pass percentage conducted on automated test tracks for the same period was 57.7%.

Special commissioner (transport) KK Dahiya said, “With many candidates failing driving tests conducted on automated tracks, we are taking two initiatives. We will send video clips of the driving test to the failed applicants through WhatsApp.”

“By watching the video clips, the failed applicants will be able to see where they made a mistake. They can then improve their driving skills before coming for another test. We are working on this technology and it can be started anytime now,” Dahiya added.

Apart from video clips, the department would also send a detailed report of the driving test along with information about how the failed applicants fared on each parameter. Dahiya said soon better audio-visual demonstrations would be given to applicants about the automated tracks before they take a test.

The other parts of south Delhi, which come under the jurisdiction of Vasant Vihar RTO, would be getting an automated test track next month. This RTO caters to areas like Vasant Kunj, Munirka, Safdarjung Enclave, etc. It functions from a site carved out of a DTC bus depot and driving tests are conducted on the main road.

The Vasant Vihar RTO would be shifted to a spacious site in Lado Sarai, which is likely to become functional by mid-2020.

Apart from Vasant Vihar, RTOs at Raja Garden, Dwarka, Loni Road, etc, would be getting automated test tracks by the end of next month. The new RTO and automated test track at Hari Nagar, which would replace Janakpuri RTO, would come up by mid-2020.